4029tvArkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has asked the state's highest court to suspend a judge's ruling striking down the state's gay marriage ban.

McDaniel asked the Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday to stay Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza's ruling that a 2004 constitutional amendment and a 1997 law banning same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. Dozens of gay couples have received marriage licenses since Piazza's ruling was issued late Friday afternoon.

McDaniel has already told Piazza he's appealing the decision to the state Supreme Court.

McDaniel, a Democrat, has said he supports same-sex marriage but has vowed to continue defending the ban because he believes it's his duty to do so.

by Digital Moderator5/12/2014 3:47:50 PM

After gay couples received marriage licenses during the weekend in Carroll County, the local clerk's office says it will now just issue licenses that include a man and a woman.

Carroll County clerks offices in Berryville and Eureka Springs said Monday they were no longer granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples

by Digital Moderator5/12/2014 5:23:53 PM

Benton County clerk says because Benton County not named in same-sex marriage case, does not have to issue lic. to same-sex couples.

The Arkansas Department of Health is allowing same-sex couples to be listed as the parents on birth certificates after a judge struck down the state's gay marriage ban.

by Digital Moderator5/12/2014 7:22:12 PM

A spokesman for the department said Monday two gay couples have already sought to both be listed as parents on birth certificates issued by the state. Kerry Krell said the department is asking the couples to fill out the same paperwork they'd ask a heterosexual couple to fill out to add a second parent.

by Digital Moderator5/12/2014 7:22:44 PM

Washington County attorney says clerk will issue same-sex marriage licenses because county is part of Pulaski Co. court case.

Washington County attorney says clerk will issue same-sex marriage licenses because county is part of Pulaski Co. court case.

by Digital Moderator5/13/2014 4:32:37 PM

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe says it'll be up to the state supreme court to decide whether marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples are valid while the state defends its gay marriage ban. - AP

by Digital Moderator5/13/2014 4:33:10 PM

AP REPORTS: Attorneys for a group of same-sex couples are asking Arkansas' highest court to reject efforts to suspend a judge's ruling striking down the state's gay marriage ban.

Attorneys for the couples asked the state Supreme Court Tuesday to deny motions to stay Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza's decision striking down the 2004 constitutional amendment and 1997 law banning same-sex marriage. The attorney general and four counties named in the suit have asked justices to suspend Piazza's ruling.

Steve Clark with the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce said "Same-sex marriages will impact economy, but job market unclear"

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 2:58:15 PM

Clark said he sees same-sex marriages will have an immediate effect but unsure what that may impact

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 2:58:56 PM

"Clearly same sex marriage as approved -- if it were approved in Arkansas -- would have an economic impact because there would be more weddings, so there would be money spent in that way." - Steve Clark with Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 2:59:33 PM

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is again asking the state's highest court to suspend a ruling striking down a gay marriage ban, saying it's led to "pervasive" confusion among county clerks.

About 400 licenses have been issued so far, mostly in Pulaski and Washington counties.

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 4:07:40 PM

McDaniel was responding to a motion to dismiss his appeal of Piazza's Friday ruling. Lawyers challenging the ban said the appeal is premature because no final order has been filed. McDaniel said he wouldn't object to dismissing the appeal on those grounds if a stay is issued.

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 4:07:48 PM

One company tells @4029news the state's stance on same sex marriage opened more doors to new business. Jonathan Rozelle will have the Story at 5 and 6 tonight!

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 7:15:17 PM

Economists say locally that the same-sex marriage ruling could have an immediate effect on the economy with more people spending money to get married

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 8:43:59 PM

The CEO of 8th and Walton, a company in Bentonville that works closely with Walmart says while business and personal life differ, there is an opportunity that the same-sex marriage ruling could drive more businesses to the area

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 8:44:58 PM

The Washington County Clerks says other couples from surrounding states have come to NWA to receive marriage licenses

by Digital Moderator5/14/2014 9:46:10 PM

But officials say its possible the marriage licenses obtained in Arkansas won't be legitimate in the eyes of the law in other states.